15 injured in Punjab clash

An attempt by nearly 200 Sikh protesters to burn an effigy of Sacha Sauda Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh led to a clash with followers.

An attempt by nearly 200 Sikh protesters to burn an effigy of Sacha Sauda Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh led to a clash with followers of the sect on Monday, forcing police to resort to cane charge and use of a water cannon to disperse the warring groups.

At least 15 people were seriously hurt while a dozen others sustained minor injuries. The protesters were agitating against reports that the chief had shown up dressed like the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh at a public function at Dera Salabatpura here on Friday.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has asked the Patiala Zonal IG to conduct an inquiry into the violence.